Children accidentally exposed to this medication by direct contact with someone using it may absorb this drug through their skin. If this occurs, the child may have unwanted side effects due to testosterone gel. Children should avoid contact with the unwashed or unclothed area where the medication has been applied. Tell both of your doctors right away if you notice unexpected signs of puberty in a child such as unusual increase in size of genitals (penis or clitoris), early development of pubic hair, increased erections (in boys) or sex drive, or aggressive behavior. To decrease this risk, carefully follow all directions for the proper use of this drug.

This medicated gel contains testosterone. It is used for hormone replacement in men who are not able to produce enough testosterone (e.g., hypogonadism). This medication is absorbed through the skin, enters your bloodstream, and helps your body reach normal testosterone levels.

Testosterone helps the body to develop and maintain the male sexual characteristics (masculinity), such as a deep voice and body hair. It also helps to maintain muscle and prevent bone loss, and is necessary for natural sexual ability/desire.

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using testosterone gel and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

There are many testosterone products available for use on the skin. They may have different amounts of testosterone and may not have the same effects. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product. Do not change products without asking your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are using the gel pump, learn how to prepare the pump for use. You may pump this medication into the palm of your hand or directly onto the desired application site. If you are not sure how to use the pump, ask your pharmacist.

Apply the medication as directed to clean, dry skin of the shoulders/upper arms once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor. Apply only to areas that would be covered if you were to wear a short sleeve t-shirt. Certain brands of this medication may also be applied to the stomach area (abdomen). Check your product's instructions or ask your pharmacist if your brand may be applied to the abdomen. Avoid applying this medication to broken, irritated skin. Do not apply to the genitals (penis or scrotum). Do not let others apply this medication to your body.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, laboratory tests, and response to treatment.

After applying this medication, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of accidentally spreading it from your hands to other people. Before dressing, wait a few minutes for the application site to dry completely. Be sure to always wear clothing (such as a t-shirt) to cover the application site until you wash the areas well with soap and water.

To get the best effect, wait several hours (2 to 5 hours depending on brand) before showering/swimming to allow the drug to be absorbed through the skin. Check the manufacturer's information or ask your pharmacist for details. See also Warning and Precautions sections.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Misuse or abuse of testosterone can cause serious side effects such as heart disease (including heart attack), stroke, liver disease, mental/mood problems, abnormal drug-seeking behavior, or improper bone growth (in adolescents). Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. When testosterone is misused or abused, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, irritability, tiredness) when you suddenly stop using the drug. These symptoms may last from weeks to months.

This medication is flammable until dry. Let the gel dry before smoking or going near an open flame.

Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, hair loss, trouble sleeping, change in sexual desire, redness/swelling of the skin, change in skin color, and acne may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

breast pain/enlargement

swelling of the feet/ankles (edema)

weight gain

very slow/shallow/difficult breathing (possibly while sleeping)

weakness

trouble urinating

increased urination (especially at night)

mental/mood changes (such as depression, agitation, hostility)

change in size/shape of the testicles

testicle pain/tenderness

stomach/abdominal pain

dark urine

yellowing of eyes/skin

fast/irregular heartbeat

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

shortness of breath/rapid breathing

chest/jaw/left arm pain

unusual sweating

confusion

sudden dizziness/fainting

pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf

sudden/severe headaches

trouble speaking

weakness on one side of the body

sudden vision changes

In patients with diabetes, especially those taking insulin, testosterone may decrease your blood sugar. Be prepared to treat low blood sugar while you are using this medication. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, nervousness, rapid pulse, and sweating. If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medications.

For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.

This medication can decrease sperm production, an effect that may lower male fertility. Consult your doctor for more details.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

rash

itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)

severe dizziness

trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using testosterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as soy), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Direct contact with the application site can expose others to this medication. Women and children should avoid contact with the unwashed or unclothed area where the medication has been applied. If you expect to have skin-to-skin contact with another person, first wash the application area well with soap and water. If a woman or child makes contact with the application area, that area on the woman or child should be washed well with soap and water right away.

If this medication accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse the eyes right away with clean, warm water. Get medical help right away if necessary.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Some men, particularly the elderly, are at a higher risk for developing enlarged prostates or prostate cancer while using this medication. Your risk of prostate problems should be checked by your doctor before you start testosterone.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. In children, it may affect bone growth. Monitor your child's height periodically.

This medication should not be used by women. Women accidentally exposed to this medication may have side effects due to testosterone gel. If you notice symptoms in a woman such as changes in body hair or a large increase in acne, talk to her doctor and your doctor right away. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding must avoid contact with this medication. This medication may harm an unborn or breast-feeding baby. Consult your doctor for more details.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of an overdose may include: weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, vision problems, or confusion.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another problem unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

Inform all your doctors that you are using or have used this medication.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom or near an open flame. Keep all medications away from children and pets, and throw out used medication packages in a secure trash can.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Information last revised October 2018.

Copyright(c) 2018 First Databank, Inc.

Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.